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HomeMade Compost Tumbler Plans
This homemade compost
tumbler was a nice addition to the compost bins that I already had.
My compost bins were starting to rot and I had some left over
culvert drain pipe that was just begging to be used in some nifty
garden application so I made a compost tumbler. (I also constructed
some new compost bins - for details
on how to build these, click here.)
The compost tumbler that I made is nothing more than a 4.5 ft
section of drain pipe with plywood ends (cut out with a
scrolling saw) fastened on. The corrugated design allows for
good air flow yet the pipe is tough! These compost tumblers
could probably be dropped out of an airplane and save damage to the
plywood ends would be fully usable! This stuff is designed to
last nearly forever in roadways.
The instructions for
building these compost tumblers are given below:
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Obtain a 8 or 10 ft
section of 24-inch (inner diameter) corrugated drain culvert pipe.
You may need to order a 20 foot section and split it with
friends and/or use the leftover pipe to make some indestructible
planters. (My kids love to play in the leftover pipe!). I
special ordered my 20-ft pipe at Menards home store at a cost of
about $260 (Enough for six 3-ft tumblers). You will need to
pick up the pipe with a pickup truck (or two). If you get
the 20 foot length, bring a hand saw along (as shown below) and
cut the pipe to length. Believe me, you will have a tough
time handling the 20 foot section otherwise - they are stiffer and
heavier than you would think!
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Cut the 8 or 10 ft
section in (2) pieces of length from 3 feet to 5 feet or whatever
size your choose. Make your tumbler of a size you can manage
safely! My 4.5 ft tumbler is a bit hard on the back to lift on end
but rolls without too much effort. A 3-ft tumbler will hold about
10-12 cubic ft.
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Cut out the plywood
ends. Use treated or cedar plywood for more durability. I
would think plexi-glass might work well too. Fasten one end with
3-inch 1/4" bolts as shown below, and bungee cord the other end on
as shown below.
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Drill holes for
ventilation as needed. This is easy to do with a cordless
drill.
Your done! Flip
the compost bin end over end or roll it to mix contents.
Note: I
use my compost tumbler in place of a compost pile for kitchen
scraps. I leave the bin turned upright with the top off. For
instructions on how to build a compost heap that will decompose
properly, click here.
At a price of about
$110 for a set of 2 three foot tumblers, I think this home made
composter is comparable to other composters costing three times as
much.
More Free Plans and
Ideas Below!
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